Liberal Arts & Humanities at South Dakota State University
A 99% acceptance rate means South Dakota State University is accessible to most applicants, enrolling 8,798 students in Brookings, SD.
Program Analysis
Starting salaries of $20,704/yr fall 25% below the $27,616 national median for Liberal Arts & Humanities. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.
Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 19.5x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Liberal Arts & Humanities programs nationally.
The 40% gap between optimistic and pessimistic AI scenarios is notable. With 0% of typical tasks exposed to automation, AI adoption could meaningfully shift career outcomes for Liberal Arts & Humanities graduates.
Median debt of $12,000 represents roughly 7 months of the $20,704 starting salary — a manageable burden by trade school standards.
Ranked #802 of 830 Liberal Arts & Humanities programs, South Dakota State University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.
Five-year earnings of $46,957 show a 127% jump from the $20,704 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration in this trade.
Earnings Overview
Projected 10-Year Earnings
Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.
Top Career Paths
Top career paths for Liberal Arts & Humanities graduates by median salary.
| Career Path | Median Salary | Growth | AI-ProofAI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Postsecondary teachers, all other | $78,490 | +1.8% | 100% |
Liberal Arts & Humanities Career Guide
See the full career breakdown for Liberal Arts & Humanities — job titles, salary ranges, and growth projections for graduates from South Dakota State University and 829 other schools.
Compare & Explore
Liberal Arts & Humanities Overview
Liberal Arts & Humanities at Other Schools
Considering a 4-Year Degree Instead?
Compare how bachelor's degree graduates fare on earnings, ROI, and AI resilience.